Rabbit Care Sheet |
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General |
Rabbits are intelligent, social animals and make affectionate and rewarding family pets when they receive plenty of attention. They can be trained to use a litter box. They are more enjoyable, responsive pets when they live indoors as house rabbits if you are prepared to keep them safe from harm. Hazards such as electrical cords and toxic plants should be removed or made inaccessible to prevent accidents. Rabbits will chew and dig, so provide acceptable items such as wood toys and a safe digging box, filled with straw, to avoid damage to your furnishings. Kind training using plenty of praise and treats will teach your rabbit to live as one of the family. . Given appropriate care a rabbit can live up to 10 years. | |
Housing |
If you choose to keep your pet outdoors it is important to choose as large a cage as possible, at least four times the size of your rabbit and attach a wire run so that it can enjoy the grass and fresh air. If you have a very secure garden then you could let it out occasionally provided you supervise it's activities at all times or it could escape into a neighbours garden or worse, eat some of your Mum's best plants! |
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Diet |
A healthy diet is based on good quality rabbit pellets and ample fresh hay. Add at least two cups of fresh vegetables per 6 lbs of body weight each day. Good choices are dark green leafy vegetables and root vegetables. Small amounts of fresh fruit such as apples may be given as a treat. Fresh water in a clean bottle should be available at all times. Note that some rabbits can be sensitive to fresh food and may suffer from diahorea occasionally. It is worth checking this out with your vet if your rabbit suffers from this. | |
Cleaning |
Remove soiled litter daily and wash food dishes, water bottles and the cage bottom weekly. Always rinse and dry the cage well before returning your pet. | |
Fertility |
All pet rabbits should be spayed or neutered by a vet to avoid unwanted babies. Spayed or neutered rabbits also live longer, healthier lives and make better companions. | |
Health |
Rabbits are prone to intestinal blockages, due to swallowing hair while grooming. Regular grooming can help minimize this problem. Be alert and consult a vet if you notice signs of illness or injury such as: lack of appetite; change in droppings; bloated abdomen; runny nose; labored breathing; head tilt; urinary problems; lumps or bumps. | |
Warnings |
Antibiotics of the Penicillin family, such as Amoxicillin, are toxic to rabbits and should NEVER be used. | |
More Info |
There are many resources of good animal care on the internet, the National Pet Information Service offered by the Blue Cross | |